Yes, the black cable is the negative terminal on a car battery. This is a universal standard in the automotive industry designed for safety and to prevent short circuits. The negative terminal is often labeled with a minus sign (-) and may have a black plastic cover. Connecting the positive (red, +) terminal first and the negative last is the correct and safe procedure, especially when jump-starting a car.
The primary reason for this color-coding is safety. The entire chassis of your car is electrically connected to the negative terminal, essentially making it a ground. If you were to accidentally touch a metal tool between the positive terminal and any metal part of the car body, it would create a short circuit, potentially causing sparks, electrical damage, or even a battery explosion. By making the negative terminal black and connecting it last (and disconnecting it first), you minimize the risk of a dangerous short.
It's important to note that while this is the standard for American and most global vehicles, always double-check the markings on the battery itself. The physical symbols (+ and -) are the most reliable indicators, as cable colors could potentially be incorrect due to a previous repair.
Here is a quick reference for standard car battery terminal identification:
| Feature | Positive Terminal | Negative Terminal |
|---|
| Color | Red | Black |
| Symbol | Plus Sign (+) | Minus Sign (-) |
| Connection | To starter, alternator | To vehicle chassis (ground) |
| Jump-Start Order | Connect first to dead battery | Connect last to an engine ground |
| Common Cover Color | Red | Black |
